The Old Man on Happiness
When next I met the old man by whom I’d oft been blessed,
he asked, “Are you happy? Not just a positive
attitude, mind you, but are you truly content?
Does your life compare to the greatest miracles?
Do you breakfast on kindness to begin your days,
and wrap them up with a dinner of innocence?”
I hung my head, unable to claim innocence.
“Son,” he consoled, “It’s never too late to get blessed!
Imagine knowing God, having Him fill your days...
You want to talk about having a positive
attitude! Try existing amidst miracles,
breathing in glory! Think that might make you content?
“But these days, most people would rather just content
themselves with worldly goods. Who values innocence
anymore? And yet, out of all God’s miracles,
an undefiled conscience may be the most blessed.
Why? It takes effort, sacrifice, and positive
action--not just taking, but giving God your days!
“But trust me, you’ll never get more out of your days.
In what do men indulge, to try to be content?
Food, drink, and lust--vain, vile, and empty. Positive
results come from seeking purer things! Innocence
is good... Add love and mercy to really get blessed!
Give God your heart, and He’ll add these like miracles.
“Can earthly happiness rival such miracles
as these: a mind in tune with the Ancient of Days?
Feet which know how to run to the halls of the blessed?
A heart that trusts in Jesus’ love and rests content?
A single day of grace? One night of innocence?
Not thinking we are saved, but being positive?
“No worldly things match those, of that I’m positive.
Man’s highest deeds still fall short of God’s miracles.
Money can’t buy happiness, nor can innocence
be had for gold. Gems can’t shine like Christ-filled days.
Only God, who formed the heart, makes the heart content.
Some folks think they’re happy--others know we are blessed.”
Positive he had spoken the truth, I knelt, blessed
God for His miracles, prayed He would fill my days
with Christian love, pledged innocence, and rose content.